PB Anti-Human CD56 Antibody

Product Details


Clone5.1H11
ApplicationFlow Cytometry
ReactivityHuman
FormatPB
Target NameCD56, Leu-19, NKH1
Isotypemouse IgG1
Antibody TypeMonoclonal
Regulatory StatusRUO
FormulationPhosphate-buffered solution, pH 7.2, containing 0.09% sodium azide and 0.2% (w/v) BSA
Protein ConcentrationSupplied at a lot-specific concentration.
Storage & HandlingThe antibody solution should be stored undiluted between 2°C and 8°C, and protected from prolonged exposure to light. Do not freeze.
Recommended UsageFor flow cytometric staining, it is recommended to use 5 µL of this reagent per 0.5-1.0 million cells in a 100 µL volume. Optimal reagent performance should be determined by titration for each specific application. Pacific Blue has an excitation max at 404 nm and an emission max at 455 nm.
Excitation LaserViolet laser (405nm)
See All FormatsClone 5.1H11

Background Information


CD56, also known as neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), is a multifunctional cell surface glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily. While originally characterized in the nervous system, CD56 is best known in immunology as a defining marker of natural killer (NK) cells and a subset of T lymphocytes. Its expression level on NK cells is used to distinguish functionally distinct subsets, most notably CD56bright and CD56dim NK cells.

Structurally, CD56 is a type I transmembrane protein composed of five extracellular Ig-like domains and two fibronectin type III domains, followed by a single transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic tail. Alternative splicing generates several isoforms (primarily NCAM-120, NCAM-140, and NCAM-180), which differ in their cytoplasmic domains and signaling capabilities. CD56 can also be post-translationally modified by polysialylation, a feature that modulates its adhesive properties and is particularly important in neural development.

Functionally, CD56 mediates homophilic interactions (CD56-CD56 binding) as well as heterophilic interactions with other ligands, including heparan sulfate proteoglycans, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), and components of the extracellular matrix. In the immune system, CD56 plays a role in cell-cell adhesion, immune synapse formation, and signal transduction. CD56bright NK cells are typically less cytotoxic but produce high levels of cytokines such as IFN-γ, contributing to immune regulation, whereas CD56dim NK cells exhibit potent cytotoxic activity against virally infected and transformed cells.

CD56 is implicated in several diseases. Aberrant or ectopic expression of CD56 is observed in various malignancies, including multiple myeloma, small cell lung carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and certain leukemias and lymphomas. In hematologic diagnostics, CD56 expression is routinely used as an immunophenotypic marker to aid in disease classification and prognosis. For example, CD56 expression in multiple myeloma has been associated with altered patterns of bone marrow adhesion and disease behavior.

Therapeutically, CD56 has emerged as a potential target in oncology. Antibody-based approaches and antibody–drug conjugates directed against CD56 have been explored to selectively eliminate CD56-expressing tumor cells, particularly in neuroendocrine cancers and hematologic malignancies. In addition, CD56 is widely used as a marker for NK cell isolation, monitoring, and quality control in NK cell–based immunotherapies, underscoring its importance in both basic research and clinical applications.

Isotype Control


PB Mouse IgG1 Isotype Control Antibody

Data Sheets


PB Anti-Human CD56 Antibody TDS

Related Protocols


Flow Cytometry Protocol

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I determine the optimal antibody concentration/titer for my experiment?
We recommend titrating each new antibody lot on your own cell type and instrument, since optimal concentration depends on cell density, target expression level, and cytometer sensitivity. Suggested starting dilutions or test sizes (e.g., µg or µl per 10^6 cells) are provided on the product page as a starting reference point, not a fixed requirement.

Can these antibodies be used for intracellular or intranuclear staining, or only surface staining?
Intended use (surface, intracellular, or both) is specified per product, indicated under Application. The appropriate Related Protocol is linked for each product. If you need to detect both surface and intracellular markers in the same panel, confirm each antibody's compatibility with your fixation/permeabilization protocol before combining them.

What controls should I use alongside these antibodies?
Matched isotype controls (same host species, isotype, and conjugate) are available for most clones to help distinguish specific binding from background/non-specific staining and are linked on each product page. Unstained, single-color compensation, and fluorescence-minus-one (FMO) controls are also recommended, especially for multicolor panel design.

Can I combine InnoCyto Flow Cytometry antibodies into a multicolor panel?
Yes — antibodies across our catalog are designed to be panel-compatible, and conjugate options are offered specifically to support multiplexing. When building a panel, pair bright fluorophores with low-expression targets, avoid excessive spectral overlap, and confirm compensation is set up correctly for your specific fluorochrome combination. Use our Panel Builder to simplify the process.

Have a product or application question? Consult our FAQs or contact us.